‘Accepting what is’: an approach for managing the long-term sexual side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in women

Abstract

Sexual difficulties may not be a pressing issue for women on antidepressants during the early phase of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment; however, this can emerge as a substantial problem once women are stabilised on medication. Little is known about how women cope with the adverse sexual effects of SSRIs. This qualitative study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore the experiences of Australian women currently coping with the sexual side effects of this antidepressant. Interviews were conducted with 10 heterosexual women, aged 45 years and younger. Four major coping strategies were identified “searching”, “suffering in silence”, “trying to resolve” and “accepting what is”. This paper explores one particular response “accepting what is”, which includes a number of strategies commonly employed by women on long-term medication. Findings from the study have particular relevance for sex and relationship therapists and may assist women in managing sexual side effects that are perceived to be beyond their control. This paper adds to the current literature by increasing understanding of how “accepting what is” can be a step forward, particularly for women who have chosen to remain on long-term medication. In theoretical terms, a deeper understanding of how women cope could inform debate about the appropriate management of long-term sexual side effects in the absence of effective pharmacological interventions.

Keywords:

• SSRI
• sexual side effects
• women
• coping strategies
• phenomenology
• acceptance

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our thanks to the ten women who kindly agreed to participate in our study. Thanks also to the peer reviewers whose insightful comments and suggestions helped strengthen this paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cathy O'Mullan

Cathy O'Mullan (master of science) is a final year doctoral student at Curtin University, and a full time lecturer in health promotion at CQ University, Australia. Cathy has over 10 years experience as a sexual health practitioner and has a particular interest in the sexuality of marginalised groups.

Maryanne Doherty

Maryanne Doherty (PhD) is head of sexology at Curtin University, Australia and an adjunct professor at Alberta University, Canada. She currently supervises a number of PhD sexology candidates, and has published extensively in the area of sexuality, particularly school-based approaches to sexual health education.

Rosemary Coates

Rosemary Coates (PhD) has dedicated her life to sexual health and medical ethics, with over three decades of experience in the teaching and research arena. She is currently the president of the World Association of Sexology, an associate professor at Curtin University and technical advisor in three World Health Organization groups where she reviews and provides advice about sexual health.

P.J. Matt Tilley

P.J. Matt Tilley (master of psychology) is a registered clinical psychologist (registrar) who has worked as a psychotherapist and an educator for over 15 years, specialising in sexuality-related issues, with experience providing therapy and training to individuals, couples and groups. Matt also lectures in sexology at Curtin University and is a member of the World Association for Sexual Health Advisory Committee (2009–2013).